Cancer
Florida Sprouts 5 Medical Marijuana Cultivation Sites
Medical marijuana is beginning to take root in Central Florida –– and it’s about time.
After nearly a year of compromise and much legal wrangling in the Sunshine State, the Department of Health has finally designated the five nurseries allowed to produce and dispense a non-psychoactive form of medical marijuana. The long-overdue decision has finally pushed Florida’s reluctant politicians into implementing the 2014 voter approved legislation. Allowing for the cultivation, extraction, and distribution of low THC marijuana concentrates that are high in cannabidiol, or CBD.
Florida’s 2014 medical marijuana law initially passed as a means of helping patients suffering with epilepsy and life-threatening cases of advanced cancer. To qualify for the high-CBD marijuana recommendation, patients should apply to the Compassionate Use Registry once evaluated and diagnosed by a board-certified doctor.
Florida’s 5 New Medical Marijuana Cultivators
- Costa Nursery Farms – Southeast Region.
- Alpha Foliage – Southwest Region.
- Knox Nursery – Central Region.
- Hackney Nursery – Northwest Region.
- Chestnut Hill Tree Farm – Northeast Region.
Florida’s sick and suffering were theoretically to already have access to the high-CBD strains beginning Jan. 1, when physicians that participated in special training were anticipated to start ordering their low-THC marijuana. Unfortunately, that timeline was pushed back due to complicated lawsuits and a judge’s assessment that rejected the Department of Health’s first attempt at fulfilling the will of the people… and the law.
Moving forward, new medical marijuana legislation is slowly making its way through the political process. Provided Florida’s House and Senate wake up and smell the cannabinoids, the passage of Florida’s newest legislation would expand the patient base by allowing for more medical conditions to be covered under the “right to try” state law.
Marijuana Industry News November 1, 2013
Concerns Rise Over Washington Condition Medicinal Marijuana Program…
Passage of I-502, which legalized leisure marijuana in Washington signified a significant change within the cannabis reform movement. New tax revenues and also the lengthy past due restoration of private freedom are some of the together with your new law. Unfortunately, the change toward an income oriented marijuana industry can leave patients forgotten. Although patients won’t be outright prohibited from acquiring marijuana underneath the new leisure regulations, they might be exposed to new and tax rates. Charging patients exactly the same costs for any necessity instead of someone seeking leisure pleasure appears unfair. Additionally, many people are not able to operate because of their health conditions. Steph Sherer, of People in america for Safe Access, authored a great blog entry for that Huffington Publish explaining her take on the whole medicinal marijuana situation in Washington. She mentions a course targeted at getting patient needs to forefront known as Health Before Happy Hour.
 
Federal Judge in Maryland Views Lighter Sentence For Marijuana Smugglers…
Even while the general public progressively requires a more poor take on marijuana, federal government bodies have mostly maintained exactly the same traditional rigid stance. With marijuana’s schedule I classification, federal convictions typically yield harsh penalties. Earlier now, U.S. District Judge James K. Breda released a 5 year sentence to Scott Russell Segal on charges of promoting 100s of pounds of marijuana. Federal recommendations recommended a sentence of 8-11 years. With sentencing recommendations from sync using what the general public wants cheap marijuana doesn’t produce the safety concerns connected with harder drugs for example heroin, idol judges across the nation have felt the necessity to problem lesser sentences. “It’s indisputable the offense isn’t regarded as with similar importance it had been 20 or 3 decades ago once the sentencing recommendations … that are still being used, were promulgated,” Bredar stated.
For additional about this story click the link
 
Study: Marijuana Can Kill Certain Cancer Cells…
Marijuana’s possibility to fight cancer continues to be recorded before. Many have discovered success with hemp oil remedies and past studies demonstrated the compound within marijuana, CBD, can steer clear of the distributing of cancer. A new study released within the Anticancer Research Journal analyzed six cannabinoids apart from THC. Dr. Wai Liu lead the research and located that non-psychoactive cannabinoids “resulted in dramatic cutbacks in cell viability” and “caused a synchronised arrest whatsoever phases from the cell cycle.”
New Study Highlights Marijuana Benefits for Patients with MS
The wonder plant marijuana is showing off its medical diversity again. Research has been discovering many potential medical uses for marijuana. This week a new research study has uncovered even more evidence that marijuana can be beneficial to a wide variety of ailments, including multiple sclerosis.
Researchers in the United Kingdom analyzed the results of over 300 participants across 22 medical facilities who were suffering from MS. The study was aimed specifically at relieving muscle stiffness, which impacts approximately 90% of those who have MS. The effects of MS are well documented and many who have it find themselves having trouble with mobility and leading their daily lives. Sleep deprivation is also commonly associated with MS and muscle stiffness.
The study results may give new hope for patients with MS who have not been responsive to traditional treatments. In the UK study, which will be published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, researchers gave one group of participants marijuana while giving another group placebo. After 12 weeks, 30 percent of those who were given marijuana reported improvements in pain and mobility. Only 16% of the placebo group reported improvements. The known side effects of marijuana, dizziness, confusion, fatigue etc. have been previously reported as negative side effects in past marijuana/MS studies. While those still occurred study researchers announced “No new safety concerns were observed.”
Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis, like many, have eluded scientists for decades. However, marijuana breakthroughs have been occurring regularly in recently with scientists also discovering that cannabis may be able to stop the metastasis of cancer, the spreading of HIV/AIDS, and many other difficult to treat conditions. The hope now is that mainstream media outlets and political leaders keep the issue on the forefront.
Marijuana Like Compound in Brain Shows Fragile X Syndrome May Be Treatable
The federal government has shown an unwillingness to entertain operational changes. In particular, federal authorities still prefer to suppress the monumental potential of medical marijuana as it is an uncomfortable topic because it may require regulation, rescheduling, and the admission of an almost 100 year mistake.
Medical marijuana breakthroughs are occurring at a frequent rate. Last week alone, marijuana.net reported on a breakthrough that showed cannabis had the potential to fight epilepsy. Perhaps even more groundbreaking was a study that showed components of marijuana had the ability to slow the spreading of cancer cells. Of course this builds on years research that have shown marijuana to be a miracle of sorts, and has demonstrated promise in fighting chronic pain, muscle conditions, MS, complications related to chemotherapy, glaucoma, the spreading of HIV/AIDS, nausea, PTSD etc (it would take too much time to list them all).
Fragile X Syndrome now joins the constantly growing list of medical conditions that may benefit from marijuana research. This complex condition is associated with autism and mental retardation in men and considered the most common cause of both. Fragile X syndrome is a mutation of the FMR1 gene in the X chromosome that is passed on by the mother. This mutation can result in mental disability, hyperactivity, physical disability, and language deficiencies.
The main problem has to do with messages and receptors in the brain. Researchers have now found that 2-AG, a marijuana like compound and endocannabinoid transmitter is showing considerable promise in reducing fragile x syndrome symptoms. Daniele Piomelli, a professor at UC Irvine was the lead researcher of the study and recently said “This compound is so important in regulating neural transmission in the brain that it seemed possible that it might be involved in a disease that is so devastating on brain function.” When the 2-AG signal is boosted, it appears the brain will relay the correct messages, at least in lab mice. Proffessor Piomelli explained “We asked, ‘If we boost a little bit of that 2-AG signal, will it be enough to correct the problems that occur in fragile X mice? The answer was a resounding, Yes. We corrected the physiology, but most importantly, we corrected their behavior. The animals behaved just like normal animals. They didn’t have the fears and movement problems of those with fragile X.”
We are only now seeing the tip of the iceberg as decades of potential research have been lost due to senseless marijuana regulations. However, as groundbreaking discoveries that have eluded modern medicine for decades are coming through marijuana research, how long can we truly afford to look the other way. As politicians are desperate not to admit mistakes (see Mitt Romney Campaign), there is something admirable about those who stand up, admit fault, and reverse a century long problem.
Medical Marijuana Industry News September 7, 2012
More and More Evidence Supporting Marijuana’s Ability to Fight Cancer…
Marijuana.net has extensively covered the constant updates on the ability of cannabis to provide medical relief. One of the most promising areas of marijuana medicine is in its potential to reduce and fight cancer. Many simply cannot believe this as the propaganda machine has told a very different story. However, research and even a government study has indicated that marijuana and hemp oils may be the future of cancer medication. A new article on Daily Beast, highlights many of the marijuana medical breakthroughs over the course of the last 15 years, especially in cancer research. The article avoids political talking points and tired discussion, rather, opting to describe studies and research conducted at prestigious educational institutions including Harvard and Lancaster University and research printed in medical journals such as British Journal of Pharmacology and Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry.
For the entire article click here
Jimmy Carter’s Drug Czar Criticizes President’s Handling of Marijuana…
Every four years both major political parties in the United States hold conventions. Jimmy Carter continuously serves as a punching bag for Republicans and a stepping stone to gush over former Ronald Reagan. Decades later, while still perhaps not viewed as a successful president, some forward thinking ideas from President Carter are gaining traction. In 1977, President Carter wrote a letter to Congress urging re-prioritized efforts to focus on heroin and barbiturates as they were accounting for 90% of narcotic related deaths. Redirecting the drug war still has not been properly done but the momentum for this 35 years later is at an all time high. Echoing this are recent statements by Peter Bourne who served as the director of the National Drug Control Policy. Mr. Bourne characterized President Obama’s approach to drug enforcement as “totally insane” and urged the president to enact executive orders if Congress was unwilling to amend laws. The president is familiar with utilizing executive orders as the partisan gridlock of Capitol Hill has prevented many new laws from being passed. The president most recently used an executive order with his new immigration directive, which will allow those who came to this country as children illegally to stay here without fear of deportation. Bourne went on to say that federal raids of marijuana dispensaries and keeping marijuana as a schedule I drug (the same classification as heroin meth and other destructive narcotics) “doesn’t make any sense at all”. Peter Bourne also praised legalization efforts such as Colorado’s Amendment 64 and Washington’s Initiative 502.
For more on this story click here
More Marijuana Doctors than Patients In New Jersey…
The soap opera that is New Jersey’s medical marijuana program continues. It has been well documented and publicized that New Jersey lawmakers have dragged their feet on the issue. Medical marijuana was passed several years ago under exiting Governor Jim Corzine. Still, there has not been one single patient served. The current Governor, Chris Christie who delivered the keynote speech at the Republican National Convention, has tried to delay the program as much as he could. Getting approved as a medical marijuana patient is extremely difficult and seems to require more vetting than becoming an approved doctor to prescribe marijuana. Currently there are 130 approved patients who will eligible to receive marijuana prescriptions when the program finally gets underway. However, there are over 160 doctors who have been approved to issue these prescriptions. Conversely in Arizona, regarded as a tough state to receive a marijuana prescription, issued 700 prescriptions in its first year and has a significantly smaller population than New Jersey. Another issue perplexing patients is even getting an appointment. Of the 160 doctors, many are not even accepting patients.
Power to the People
The cynic will often lament the absence of American democracy. Phrases such as “we have no power” or comparisons to a police state are very popular. There is a cynical side to all of us, but equally, most of us hold onto a least a shred of optimism even if we bury it under negative talking points. Such defense mechanisms make it easier to converse with strangers and get through the day. There is no doubt that the decks are stacked against us, as most of us do not have paid lobbyists fighting for our jobs, but to those who think the average person can longer make a difference, November may provide a breath of fresh air.
Our elected officials have failed us on many issues and have become complacent and/or unwilling to take a controversial stand. As a result, with no more free time at anyone’s disposal, we the people have risen. Marijuana.net reported earlier in the week that Oregon was on its way to becoming the 3rd state (also Washington and Colorado) to put a marijuana legalization vote to its people. Ignored political issues do not find their way to the ballots itself, rather, it requires the sweat and effort of activists willing to go door to door and collect signatures. It takes optimism even as some may slam a door in their faces. It takes compassion, never to forget teens in jail or sick patients running out of options and it takes resiliency to fight on even as our federal government uses every tool at its disposal to sidetrack these efforts.
Advocates were rewarded with even more positive news as this week it was announced that Massachusetts voters will have the option of voting to enact a medical marijuana program. If passed the law would allow for up to 35 dispensaries statewide. Over 11,000 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. The system looks as if it will be strictly regulated and Massachusetts residents would only qualify if they have debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, ALS or Parkinson’s disease and others. The state will register dispensaries, employees, and patients and will set rules for the cultivation and storage process. Additionally, if access to transportation, physical inability to travel, or financial hardship compromise a patient’s access then they will be able to register with the state’s department of health to grown their own plants.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. It is the specific intent of reform opponents use to make us feel this way. However, they are now the minority and even if they have the ears of our representation, we have proven that they all can have each other. True power rests in the hands of the people and successful ballot initiatives bypass the dysfunction and corruption in Washington D.C. Change is coming and with all its documented problems, the United States of America still offers such beautiful freedom. Perhaps we have to work harder for it than we want but it is there, waiting for signatures and the support of our neighbors. As the election season heats up, expect to hear more news about more legalization/medical votes. When the curtain is closed behind you, pay close attention because your state may have the option of voting for compassion.
Rick Simpson’s Phoenix Tears
For thousands of years man has used the hemp plant for medicinal purposes. This was until the early 20th century. At this time, the US government, and many others after it, made hemp products illegal. Part of the criminalization of cannabis included banning all medical uses for the plant. Now that doctors were no longer allowed to use an established and favored medicine, they had find new ways to treat diseases. Over the last century, those “new ways” have blossomed into the modern pharmaceutical industry, commonly called Big Pharma. Big Pharma is great at researching and offering treatments, but often they do not seemed focused on curing ailments. One man who is trying to make a cure is Rick Simpson. Mr. Simpson is shooting for the stars; he wants to cure cancer by using Phoenix Tears. Phoenix Tears is an oil derived from the hemp plant. Using a straightforward, but risky method, Rick has produced a cannabinoid-laced hemp oil that he claims can cure many ailments including cancer.
Rick is from a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada and over the years has been baffled by the rise and proliferation of cancer in people. He is also frustrated by the lack of success in Big Pharma’s efforts to help cure cancer. He is most emphatically against chemotherapy and radiation treatments. How does one cure cancer by killing off healthy cells and organs? In his film “Run From the Cure,” Rick details his successes and struggles to help his neighbors with their infirmities. The oil he produces, Phoenix Tears, has many uses. It can be ingested orally, inhaled with the use of a vaporizer, or used topically. He started using it himself when diagnosed with skin cancers on his chest and face. Doctors had removed one of his skin carcinomas, but it would not heal. So, after creating his first batch he applied it to his cancer spots, and within a short period of time, they disappeared. He had his doctor verify it, and he is cancer free today.
After this first success, Mr. Simpson realized that he had something that had great potential to help mankind. He has tried, with very little success, to spread the word and knowledge of his medicine. In the ten years he has been working to aid humanity he has faced numerous obstacles. One-on-one he has had success. But each time he has faced an institution he has been rebuffed. The Canadian medical institutions have rebuffed his attempts to have doctors and experts look into Phoenix Tears and see what it is that makes it work. He has been arrested and harassed by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). They have conducted numerous raids on his property, seizing and destroying the plants he cultivates to create the hemp oil (FYI, it takes one pound of high-quality cannabis to create just two ounces of Phoenix Tears oil). Legislators in the Canadian government refuse to heed his call to change the laws. Many politicians are in the pocket of Big Pharma (just as they are in the USA) and refuse to help him out. Even the Canadian Legion has shut its doors to him and those who believe in him. Other obstacles take the form of con men and scam artists. As word has spread about the potency of Phoenix tears, many greedy individuals and groups have tried to cash in on his name and product, selling substandard (if not entirely fake) concoctions to patients and stealing their money. To date, Rick has not taken one dollar from anyone he has helped. How can law enforcement claim this man is a drug dealer if he isn’t selling anything?
He claims, and has the anecdotal evidence, to have cured cancer in several patients. Some had lung cancer, others skin cancers and brain cancers. The topical applications are especially potent against open sores from skin cancers and diabetic ulcers. It also helps people with migraines, nausea, chronic back pain, intestinal disorders (Crohn’s disease, IBS), glaucoma and many other disorders that cannabis has been known to aid. As great as this is, there needs to be more research done. But, as Rick has found out, the medical community won’t come anywhere near him. Marijuana is still illegal, so they won’t touch it. Politicians say the same thing and they’re the ones who make the laws. It’s a merry-go-round of misery and the only people who are working against it are the ones who are trying not to die.
CBD in Marijuana found to Treat Schizophrenia with few Side Effects
Within a matter of weeks the United States Supreme Court will issue a ruling on the controversial “Obamacare” program. In particular, the mandate that requires Americans to carry health insurance has drawn the most scrutiny and is being challenged on its constitutionality. Combining that with Mitt Romney’s campaign going national after winning the GOP nomination, the healthcare reform battle should be front and center as both Romney and Obama (often considered very similar plans) have enacted sweeping health care changes.
Luckily in the meantime we have less partisan political healthcare updates to lift our spirits. This week researchers at The University of Cologne in Germany have found that CBD (a cannabinoid found in marijuana) looks to have excellent potential in treating schizophrenia symptoms. Of the 39 patients who participated in the study, 20 were treated with CBD while the others were treated with amisulpride, a drug not legal in the U.S. but similar to medications used in America. Daniel Piomelli, co-author of the study was pleased with the results and said “The results were amazing. Not only was CBD as effective as standard antipsychotics, but it was also essentially free of the typical side effects seen with antipsychotic drugs.”
This development builds on many of the recent studies that have linked health and quality of life to marijuana. Soldiers have often reported that marijuana use has helped with their PTSD symptoms. Recently, marijuana.net reported on a study that showed cannabis relieved patient’s painful MS symptoms. Additionally, marijuana has been linked to help patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, Glaucoma, chronic pain, muscular dystrophy, migraines, and of course so many other ailments. We encourage readers in our comment section to share stories about these or other medical issues marijuana aids.
Schizophrenia has baffled medical professionals for centuries and perhaps even thousands of years. Egyptians have described ancient ailments over two thousand years ago that sound very much like what we call schizophrenia today. Treatments in the middle ages included exorcisms and even drilling holes in the head in order to draw out the “evil spirits”. In the modern times scientists came up with a new method that was not much more sophisticated. The lobotomy may indeed treat schizophrenia, with a major side effect being that the patient is turned into a zombie. Let us not forget that shock therapy which is still used today even as scientists have not been able to fully determine why it produces results, or often does not. These extreme treatments only highlight just how incredible the German discovery is for patients suffering from this long misunderstood condition.
The hope is that research such as this will also be conducted in the United States. Healthcare is still a prevailing issue in the United States with our country seeming like they are reserved to second class care. The president’s plan has increased coverage but is not as far reaching as initially thought on the campaign trail. This may not be his fault entirely as the GOP and economy presented major roadblocks. Either way, this marijuana research is encouraging and could provide patients with relief immediately with far less economic cost than the typical big pharmaceutical treatments. As the complexity of the health care arguments plays itself out in the media, let us keep in mind that there is one simple source for so much healing.
A Tribute to Peter McWilliams
“Stubbornness is also determination. It’s simply a matter of shifting from “won’t power” to “will power.”
? Peter McWilliams
The brightest minds are not bound to one area of expertise. True genius transcends departmentalized intelligence and spreads its branches out far and wide. Unfortunately our society seems to have placed an emphasis on the narrow minded expert. We want our athletes to play ball, our entertainers to dance, and our social commentators to discuss single topics.
Perhaps not a household name, Peter McWilliams has inspired people from all walks of life. He was raised outside of Detroit in Allen Park, Michigan. After attending Eastern Michigan University he found inspiration in Paul Krassner and his publication “The Realist”, which was regarded as one of the premiere counter culture publications of modern times.
Peter would quickly become an established writer himself and his diverse skill set was on display even in his early works. Already publishing many works including insightful poetry , in 1974 he wrote, directed, and produced the religious satire movie originally called “The Greatest Story Overtold” under the name Peter Alexander. The movie has since been re-released as “The Thorn”. In 1975 he and Denise Denniston released “The Transcendental Meditation TM Book”, which enjoyed a three week stay on top of the New York Times best sellers list. He would go on to have 5 books in total to make it to the prestigious best seller list. Another early highlight was How To Survive the Loss of a Love which he wrote with Harold H. Bloomfield in 1976 and expanded upon an earlier version Peter wrote in 1971. Already displaying his varied expertise in satire, human emotions and meditation, Peter McWilliams decided to share his proficiency of computers during a period of time where distrust and a lack of user knowledge in how to use computers was at an all time high. In 1982 he released the “The Personal Computer Book” and “The Word Processing Book”.
In 1990, Peter McWilliams returned to the subject matter that may distinguish him the most, his understanding of humanity, emotion, and coping with pain. “Life 101: Everything We Wished We Had Learned About Life in School but Didn’t” received great reviews and is still available on Amazon.com. True to his nature, the book has been heralded as deep, philosophical and yet easily accessible with a style that resembles conversation instead of condescension.
His next work would be a smooth transition into the political and social commentary realm. The 1993 book titled “Ain’t Nobody’s Business if You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country” was released and still receives positive reviews. The book examines what Mr. McWilliams categorizes as “victimless crimes” and how people have been hurt tremendously by consensual crimes throughout history. Another major point of the book is that over regulating social behavior produces an environment that is ripe for black markets and organized crime. The book resonated with many, including libertarians who appreciated his views on personal freedoms.
The book makes commentary on marijuana, a victimless crime according to Peter. Coincidentally, this point would hit closer to home than perhaps he had envisioned. In 1996, Peter McWilliams was diagnosed with both AIDS and cancer. Conventional treatments produced extreme nausea for him and Peter found relief with the use of marijuana. Two years later he would give a nationally televised speech at the 1998 Libertarian National Convention. The speech was inspirational for many defenders of civil liberties, including those scared to embrace their sexuality. Fourteen years ago was still a difficult period to admit to being gay, but Mr. McWilliams courageously revealed this during his iconic speech.
Peter McWilliams suffered greatly for his open views on medical marijuana. Shortly after his address to the Libertarian party, he was arrested for growing marijuana plants that he says he planned to give to caregivers in order to provide relief for patients. He believed he was targeted specifically because of how effectively he was conveying social change and the benefits of medical marijuana. At the time he was helping Todd McCormick write a book titled “How to Grow Medical Marijuana”. Both men were arrested by federal authorities. A judge ruled that Peter McWilliams could not mention his terminal illness or that he believed that medical marijuana was saving his life during the trial proceedings. He was required to cease using marijuana or his mother would lose her house, which was used as collateral for his bail bond. His extreme nausea returned and although not officially confirmed, it is believed that Peter McWilliams died from choking on excess vomit.
This tragic ending was not befitting of such brilliance. Peter McWilliams had a golden touch with just about anything he encountered. That is why it is so confusing that we can applaud intelligence in one field but then disregard it in another. This was not a lazy man trying to abuse marijuana for recreational pleasure. He embodied the diversity of the marijuana community with such insight and compassion. Peter McWilliams’ mind would not be confined to one area of focus and almost 12 years after his death, his influence is still strong. We were able to speak with Julia who maintains www.petermcwilliams.org, a site dedicated to remembering the great activist. She mentions, as many others have, about Peter’s inviting writing style and that he had a way of directly talking to people as if he knew the reader. When asked how to describe the influence he has had she said “The fact that 12 years after someone died, it should mean something that people are being touched by his life and still reading his books.” The site has much to offer including a description of Peter’s works including books, photography and other entries not covered in this article. Additionally, the site includes quotes from Peter and many of his well established peers that include Paul Krassner, Gary Johnson and Dennis Peron. There is also a video tribute by Julia and much more.
Study Shows Medical Marijuana States have Reduced Suicides
As study after study confirms the medicinal qualities of marijuana, we should probably stop being surprised. However, there are times when new benefits are discovered that are so groundbreaking, even advocates have to take a step back and breathe a sigh of relief.
While many medical marijuana advocates focus on physical pain relief from HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, MS, Nausea, and chronic pain, the psyche also benefits greatly from cannabis. New research has demonstrated a link between PTSD relief and marijuana use as many returning soldiers say it is the only way they can relieve their symptoms. Now it appears another significant link between the psyche and marijuana has been discovered. According to a research paper entitled “High on Life? Medical Marijuana Laws and Suicide”, states that have legalized marijuana have seen a significant drop in suicides. The paper was written by D. Mark Anderson, Daniel I. Rees, and Joseph J. Sabia.
The paper analyzed data from 1990-2007 and found an overall reduction by 5% in overall suicides. Males aged 20-29 saw an 11% drop in suicides. In states that do not permit legalized marijuana, suicide rates actually rose during this time period. While suicide does not garner the attention of many other causes of death, it is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The authors mentioned above believe that legalizing marijuana may “lead to an improvement in the psychological well-being of young adult males, an improvement that is reflected in fewer suicides.” They also went on to say “The strong association between alcohol consumption and suicide-related outcomes found by previous researchers raises the possibility that medical marijuana laws reduce the risk of suicide by decreasing alcohol consumption.”
While lawmakers still drag their feet and state that marijuana is extremely dangerous, advocates are concentrating on how we can treat the a top ten leading cause of death in the United States. While this may sound naïve in this day and age, we are expected to look up to our government officials. How can we do that? How can we seek help from those who will not even pass a congressional insider trading bill, or allow Super Pacs to influence an election. For the time being, both physical and mental relief are in direct violation of federal law.
For the full research paper including additional statistics from the study click here